Early Book Review: The Rainforest Book by Charlotte Milner

The Rainforest Book by Charlotte Milner is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on February 2 2021. Sweep aside the liana vines, hop over the giant roots of the kapok tree, and follow the sound of the howler monkey as you venture into the tropical rainforest. Find out about some of the amazing animals that live there, learn about the enormous variety of life-giving plants, and discover why the Amazon rainforest is known as the 'lungs' of our Earth. In this book, Charlotte Milner continues to highlight the important ecological issues faced by our planet, following on from The Bee Book, The Sea Book, and The Bat Book. Did you know that over half of our planet's wildlife live in the rainforest? And that at least two meters of rain falls in the rainforest every year? The world's rainforests are packed with amazing animals and plants, from the deadly poison dart frog, to the stinky rafflesia flower--there is plenty to discover! As our planet's climate crisis becomes even more critical, with forest fires raging in the Amazon, The Rainforest Book is the perfect way to introduce little nature-lovers to this enchanting yet threatened world. This celebration of the rainforest shows children just how important it is, and reminds them that it is up to us to care for our planet and its wildlife.

The Rainforest Book is a well researched, illustrated, and written book. I thought the information was very interesting, and I learned a few new things even though I thought myself well versed on the subject. I liked that the information was well rounded but straightforward with no judgement, just the facts. I thought the illustrations and page formats were very well thought out and executed. It captured, built up, and maintained my attention, and I expect it will do the same for other readers. I also liked that in all the information, there is also detailed things that can help readers make choices that will lessen their impact on the environment in general, and the rainforests specifically. There are opportunities for the readers to get hands on, and to have an impact. My only complaint is one I often have with nonfiction materials, and that is that there was no suggested reading or similarly themed addition in the endpages. I was glad for the creature index, but suggested books, websites, or organizations listed in one place at the end of the book would make me very happy.

I think fans of Milner's previous book will want to add The Rainforest Book to their collection. Readers that have not been following this collection, but love learning about nature and the environment will also get a great deal from this book.

Book Review: More Fish Faces: More Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish by Tam Warner Minton

More Fish Faces: More Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish by Tam Warner Minton is the second book in the Ocean Friends series. This volume offers readers more fun faces and more fun facts for fish fans young and old. Colorful photography — including the names of every fish featured — creates a colorful dive log worth experiencing again and again. The photos and fun facts are presented in small and easily digestible bites so your child can enjoy learning in short bursts or longer reads. It is a wonderful book for bedtime. Concepts like recycling, re-purposing, and sustainability are presented with photos and practical examples that are easily understood. 10% of profits will go to the Marine Megafauna Foundation to continue their scientific research to protect our oceans and ocean giants.

More Fish Faces: Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish offers readers exactly what the title suggests, a continuation of the colorful photographs and interesting information the All Fish Faces gave readers. Again, I found that the photographs were high quality and worth looking through the book all by themselves. I liked that each picture is also clearly labeled and that the accompanying information boxes were well written and chosen for the audience.  I think animal and ocean loving readers will adore this book and its predecessor. I learned a few things, and really enjoyed the photographs. 

Book Review: All Fish Faces: Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish by Tam Warner Minton

 All Fish Faces: Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish by Tam Warner Minton is a collection of  tropical reef fish faces. Some fierce, some fun, but all a joy for fish fans young and old. Colorful photography — including names of every fish featured — creates a colorful dive log worth experiencing again and again. Introducing kids and their families to our ocean friends will create a generation of excited, enthusiastic, and caring ocean lovers who care deeply about marine life. Who knows? Maybe it will encourage future scientists and conservationists! It includes ocean and marine life education and tips on how kids, and everyone they know, can help save our ocean friends. 10% of profits will go to the Marine Megafauna Foundation to continue their scientific research to protect our oceans and ocean giants.

All Fish Faces: Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish is a visually and informational interesting book for all ages. I found that the photographs were high quality and worth looking through the book all by themselves. I liked that each picture is also clearly labeled and that the accompanying information boxes were well written and chosen for the audience. I learned quite a bit, as I love learning about animals of all kinds, but fish seem to be one of my weak spots. I think the formatting and color choices on each page are attention grabbing and are likely to keep the interest of even the most distracted readers. 

Early Book Review: Eels by Rachel Poliquin; Nicholas John Frith

Eels by Rachel Poliquin; Nicholas John Frith is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on June 23 2020.  Meet Olenka, an ordinary eel. Did I hear you say, “But aren’t eels just long slippery slimy fishy-things that . . . hmm.   Is there anything else to know about eels?” You bet your buttons there is! Sit back and hold on tight, because Olenka is going to amaze you with superpowers such as double invisibility and shape-shifting, and the super secret Lair of the Abyss  (that means a top-secret deep-sea hideout). In fact, Olenka's life is so impossibly extraordinary, it has baffled the smartest scientists in the world for thousands of years. 

Eels is a book with a lively blend of information, narrative, illustration, and science. I never thought much about eels, and thought I knew everything that I needed to. Well, this book proved me wrong very quickly. I enjoyed learning about the strange skills of the eel, and how they change to move and survive. I thought the humor, interesting facts, and illustrations kept the text from feeling too dense, while I still learned a great deal. I am very glad that I requested this from Netgalley, and I think my daughter would love to add this book to our home collection. I really like the inclusion of a glossary and resources for further research, which includes books for adults and websites. This is the forth book in a series about animals and their unique skills. I have not yet read the others, but after this I think I will. 

Eels is an informative and entertaining read that I never knew I wanted. I think it will appeal to a wide range of readers and would be a great addition to libraries and school collections. 

Early Book Review: Follow Those Zebras: Solving a Migration Mystery by Sandra Markle

Follow Those Zebras: Solving a Migration Mystery by Sandra Markle is currently scheduled for release on April 7 2020. Every year in Namibia, about two thousand zebras suddenly disappear from their grazing area along the Chobe River. Months later, the herd returns. Where do they go? And why? Thanks to satellite-tracking collars, scientists were able to solve the mystery, but several questions remain. Award-winning science author Sandra Markle reveals the process scientists used to study the zebras, and she also delves into the science of migration, exploring how animals know where to go, how to get there, and when to leave.

Follow Those Zebras is well written and researched. I liked that the photographs, maps, and small bubbles of additional facts broke up the pages, putting the information in accessible blocks for younger or more distractible readers. I still find it fascinating that no one knew were the herd was going, you would think that many zebra moving year after year would have garnered more attention then people just wondering where they went. With the way people have taken over so much land I would have thought someone would have tracked their movements by now. I loved learning about the methodology of how they managed to track the zebras and what they learned. I also really liked that the scientists did not stop there, having their initial questions answered. Instead they looked further to see the whys behind the migration, and how people and climate change could impact the future of the zebras, and are working to help them survive in a changing environment. I thought that the additional zebra facts, references, resources for further reading, and glossary are important touches as well, and always make my day when they are included.

Follow Those Zebras is another fascinated nonfiction book about animals from Markle. It would be a great addition to school and classroom libraries.

Early Book Review: Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem by Kate Messner

Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem by Kate Messner is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020. Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, so when one showed up dead along the side of a Florida highway in 1979, scientists wondered where it came from. No one knew the snakes had launched a full-scale invasion. Pet pythons that escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild, and these enormous predators began eating every animal in their path. Today a group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is tracking Burmese pythons to find ways to stop their spread. Page Plus links lead to video clips and photos of the scientists working in the field. Delve into the science of pythons and their role as invasive predators.

Tracking Pythons is a well researched and written book that offers readers a look at how delicate the balance in a ecosystem can be, and how something that seems small can cause extreme changes. Whether the first pythons in Florida were escaped or released pets, or stowaways, is less important than the studies and efforts to understand and control their impact on an area that is already facing environmental stress. I liked the conversational tone and the backgrounds stories for some of the scientists that are working on the problem, and the details of the field and lab work that can be involved. I think the combination gives readers a good look at what they might do if their find a career in the field. I really enjoyed getting to know more about the lengths that go into keeping the environment and the creatures in it, as healthy as possible despite the damage being done both intentionally and unintentionally by man. I really like the use of additional digital content for interested readers. So many kids have phones and tablets on hand, and leading them to reputable and interesting resources is a great way to keep their attention and encourage further research. I also liked the concises timeline for the python population, as well as the fact that the book included a glossary and page of resources for further reading. I found the book to be well done and accessible for interested readers. 

Tracking Pythons is an interesting and engaging read and I think it would be a great addition to public, school, and classroom libraries. 

Early Book Review: Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem by Jude Isabella

Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem by Jude Isabella is a nonfiction book for children that is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2020.  An unintended experiment in Yellowstone National Park, in which an ecosystem is devastated and then remarkably rehabilitated, provides crucial lessons about nature's intricate balancing act. In the 1800s, hunters were paid by the American government to eliminate threats to livestock on cattle ranches near Yellowstone National Park. They did such a good job that, by 1926, no gray wolf packs were left in the park. Over the following decades, virtually every other part of the park's ecosystem was affected by the loss of the wolves --- from the animals who were their prey, to the plants that were the food for that prey, to the streams that were sheltered by those plants --- and the landscape was in distress. So, starting in 1995, in an attempt to reverse course, the government reintroduced gray wolves to the park. Over time, animal populations stabilized, waterways were restored and a healthy ecosystem was recreated across the land. It's a striking transformation, and a fascinating tale of life's complicated interdependencies. Jude Isabella's thoroughly researched, expert-reviewed text and Kim Smith's beautiful nature art bring science to life in this captivating story of renewal. Readers will recognize just how complex an ecosystem is and learn about the surprising interconnectedness of its members. Biodiversity, ecosystems, the food chain, habitats, needs of living things and the importance of human stewardship of the environment are all covered through this real-life example, offering direct links to earth and life science curriculums. Food web infographics help reinforce the information. A glossary and index add to the book's usefulness.

Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem is a well researched and written book about the reestablishment of wolves at Yellowstone. I have seen a few documentaries on the subject, since my daughter has been obsessed with wolves for years. I had a general understanding of the subject, but that is not necessary to understand the book. The information is framed in narratives and written so that it is easily accessible and understood without talking down to readers or sounding condescending. The information was well paced, and the accompanying artwork added a great deal to my understanding and will be very useful for visual learners. I learned some information that was new to me, and was reminded of how small changes can have a large effect on the world. This is something that I think readers of all ages could learn and be reminded of on a regular basis. I was glad to see a glossary, resources, and an index in the endpapers. I think this book could be a good addition to public, school, and classroom libraries. 

Book Review: Greta and the Giants (Inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world) by Zoë Tucker, Zoe Persico

Greta and the Giants (Inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world) was written by Zoë Tucker and illustrated by Zoe Persico. Greta is a little girl who lives in a beautiful forest threatened by Giants. When the Giants first came to the forest, they chopped down trees to make houses. Then they chopped down more trees and made even bigger homes. The houses grew into towns and the towns grew into cities, until now there is hardly any forest left. Greta knows she has to help the animals who live in the forest, but how? Luckily, Greta has an idea. A section at the back explains that, in reality, the fight against the “giants” isn’t over and explains how you can help Greta in her fight.

Greta and the Giants is a lovely book. I have to admit that the first thing that drew me to the book were the colors and art style. I absolutely love the illustrations and bold colors that are used. I found myself paying more attention to the artwork and the details in it that the story during my first read through. In the first part of the book the text is almost lost in the corners, and easy to overlook. Once I slowed down and read the text I enjoyed the story, I only wish the giants in the real world were that easy to reach. The story is reminiscent of The Lorax for me, and I do not mean that in a bad way. My daughter loved The Lorax, and I could recite it for years after she stopped asking for it. The message that protecting nature is good, and that even if we are small and often overlooked we can effect change is something I have not problem telling and retelling. I liked that the story showed that we often have to come together just to get the attention necessary to be heard, but that it can be done. I love that the book included information in accessible terms about what is happening, and how anyone and everyone can do something to help not matter how small. I really enjoy the book as a whole and hope that it will reach the children (and adults) that need to hear the message. 

Greta and the Giants is a delightful story, and one that just might help continue the efforts towards protecting the environment. What makes this book even better is that it has been printed sustainably in the US on 100% recycled paper. By buying a copy of this book, you are making a donation of 3% of the cover price to 350.org. 

Early Book Review: Bugs in Danger: Our Vanishing Bees, Butterflies, and Beetles by Mark Kurlansky, Jia Liu

Bugs in Danger: Our Vanishing Bees, Butterflies, and Beetles is a children's non fiction book written by Mark Kurlansky and illustrated by Jia Liu. It is currently scheduled for release on November 12 2019. 

By now you’ve probably heard that bees are disappearing, and they aren’t the only species at risk. Populations of fireflies, butterflies, and ladybugs have also been declining in recent years. This book explains the growth, spread, and recent declines of each of these four types of insects. It looks at the human causes, like the Baltimore electric company that collected fireflies to attempt to harness their phosphorescent lighting source, to natural occurrences, like the mysterious colony collapse disorder that plagues bee populations. This book makes an effort to show just how much bugs matter to our world.

Bugs in Danger is a well researched, organized, and written nonfiction book. It is fairly dense, to cover all the necessary information, so I would recommend it for middle grade and higher level reader- and adults. I will admit that there were a few moments in the technical explanation about the classifications of life that my eyes and mind wandered a bit. Since this is very early in the book, I worry that some less than dedicated readers might zone out, or maybe just skip ahead. While I have read quite a bit about butterflies and bees, I learned more about those insects and more about critters that I never gave much thought to. There is simply so much information here that I would recommend taking it one section at a time, and I think it would stand up well to multiple revisits. The illustrations are small, and add some visual interest to the read. I found that the text boxes that are scattered through the book also include interesting information and helped break up some of the text. The inclusion of suggestions for what readers can do are doable, I love when authors include the simple things that can help make change, not just the big action. This makes it much more likely that people will make the effort to make some change, and then maybe more as they get comfortable. I liked that the author gave readers a bibliography, that separated out some resources for younger readers and included the most useful website that they know of on the topic. 

Bugs in Danger is an extremely informative book about the insects in our world, their importance, and what factors are affecting their decline. I recommend it for readers with interest in the insect world, the environment, and science. It would be an asset to classrooms and libraries. 

Book Review: Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales by Mark Leiren-Young

Orcas Everywhere: The Mystery and History of Killer Whales by Mark Leiren-Young is a non fiction book for middle grade readers. Orcas are found in every ocean on the planet. But can they survive their relationship with humans? This book looks at how humans around the world (Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike) related to orcas in the past, how we relate to them now, and what we can do to keep cetacean communities alive and thriving. The book deals with science, philosophy, environmentalism and ethics in a kid-friendly and accessible way. Mark Leiren-Young takes readers back to when killer whales were considered monsters and examines how humans went from using orcas for target practice to nearly loving them to death.

Orcas Everywhere is a very informative book, but also rather sad. The way people focus on ourselves and treat other living creatures as a general rule makes me sad. Seeing the history, present, and thoughts on the future of the relationships between people and orca is no different. I did learn a great deal about the orcas and how they have been viewed, treated, and now researched.I had no idea that there were such different whales labeled as 'killer whales', and how different they can be from each other. The different orcas that have been captured and/or researched over the years were sad to read about, because so many stories ended badly, but knowing where we have been helps us to understand where we are, and where we want to go in the future. The legends and stories about personal encounters were interesting to read. The pictures did a good job of showing the beauty of sea life- and some of the effects people have had on them- the small holding tanks and equipment used really brought that message home.  I liked that there was a glossary and selection of further resources. I always find these tools important to encourage interested and engaged readers to explore further. I also like that the suggestions for changes readers can make to help are doable, and that efforts by other young people to help the whales and the environment are highlighted. It is great to see what research and steps adults are making, but knowing kids just like them are stepping up might encourage rea; change and effort from more people. 

Orcas Everywhere is an informative read. Some of the text is heavy and hard to read, because of the subject matter. However, the author does try to keep the tone conversational and accessible to all readers.

Book Review: The Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks by Sandra Markle

The Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks by Sandra Markle is the story of whale sharks—the largest fish on the planet. Facing threats from commercial fishing as well as climate change, they were categorized as endangered in 2016. Find out how scientists are working to study and protect these gentle giants of the ocean.

The Great Shark Rescue is another great book about animal mysteries by Markle. I enjoyed learning about the whale shark, and found it sad but interesting to learn about the danger they are in. There are still so many unanswered questions, but I am glad to know there are dedicated scientists using a variety of tools and technology to learn more and make a difference.The photographs and maps really brought the facts to life, and made the book come together. I like that Markle took the time to mention great white sharks and the sheer number of vulnerable or endangered species of sharks. The timeline, glossary, source notes, and recommendations for further reading make me happy (as always). Properly citing sources and encouraging further learning and reading are so important, and I find them sadly lacking in other children's nonfiction sometimes.

The Great Shark Rescue is an interesting and engaging read for children and adults interested in sharks, endangered animals, animal research, and related topics. Maybe it will inspire some more animal activists and/or researchers. It would be a great addition to school and public libraries. 

Early Book Review: Ice: Chilling Stories from a Disappearing World from DK Publishing

Ice: Chilling Stories from a Disappearing World from DK Publishing was written by Laura Buller, Andrea Mills, and John Woodward. It is currently scheduled for release on September 3 2019. This comprehensive book can teach readers about early humans and how they survived in one of the most hostile environments on Earth, the tragic and treacherous journeys of early polar explorers, how icy landscapes develop and change, and meet the animals who make these frozen lands their home. Detailed annotations explore the place of ice on our planet and how we and other animals survive and interact with it. Using captivating CGIs, illustrations, and photography, this book will take readers on an epic journey from the ice age to modern day, exploring how icy worlds are created, how creatures live in these harsh environments and the impact of climate change. This makes it a the perfect companion for any reader who wants to discover frozen worlds and the creatures that make them their home.

Ice: Chilling Stories from a Disappearing World captured my attention with the image on the front cover and never let go. As someone that thought they had a good grasp on most habitats and some of the science involved in the coldest regions on our planet, I need to say that I learned quite a lot from this book. There is so much more to ice, in all its forms, than most of us could ever know. I found the text to be very well organized and researched with absolutely stunning images through out. There is a great deal of information here, and not all of it very optimistic,  making this a book that I think can be taken in smaller bites and returned too many times to refresh or reread the most relevant bits for current research or interests. I think even the youngest readers can appreciate the images in the book, while older readers (including adults) will be able to learn much from this resource. 

Ice: Chilling Stories from a Disappearing World is exactly what you would expect from the title and publisher. It is a well done non fiction book well suited for all libraries and personal collections, and visually stunning. 

Early Book Review: Put on Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses & Discover Nature's Secrets; Mapping, Tracking & Journaling Activities by Devin Franklin

Put on Your Owl Eyes: Open Your Senses & Discover Nature's Secrets; Mapping, Tracking & Journaling Activities by Devin Franklin is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2019. This book is intended to help readers see the natural world around them with brand new eyes. It will teach them to follow its signs, hear its language, and understand its secrets. The book is written by expert environmental educator Devin Franklin, for kids aged 8 to 13 to read and build their own relationship with nature. From the Six Arts of Tracking (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How) and making a habitat map to walking in smooth silence like a fox and learning the basics of bird language, exploration exercises lead young readers on a fascinating journey of discovery as they watch, listen, map, interpret, and write about the sounds, sights, scents, and patterns they encounter.  There are journaling prompts, map-making activities, and observational tracking pages throughout.

Put On Your Owl Eyes is a book that offers personal accounts from the author, inspiration for readers to slow down and notice the wonders of nature, and activities and challenges that can help keep them engaged and interested. I really liked the balance between the personal stories, activities, and information. I think some readers with be skimming over some of the terminology that is explained, as if they are already interested in nature and the environment they will already know the vocabulary, however I am glad that the explanations are there because newcomers to the terms might feel left out or discouraged with out those explanations. It will encourage engaged readers to do further research and explorations- which is the point of the book. The photographs and  text are well balanced, keeping the interest and focus of the reader moving. The journal entry spaces and writing prompts might be small for some readers, depending on their writing ability and style, but that is hard to judge since I was reading a digital copy rather than a paper edition which might be larger than I picture. As a whole I think this would be a fantastic read for middle graders that love the outdoors and want to learn more about nature, or have a reason to spend time outside exploring. I like that the activities can be revisited continuously and some are designed to become part of a routine. I also like that at the end of the book there is a message of accomplishment and encouragement to continue for readers, and a list of organizations in a few states that could be good resources for readers.

Put On Your Owl Eyes is an interactive guidebook for middle grade readers. It is not a book to sit and read through; it is a book to explore, fill with experiences, and return to as desired.

Book Review: The Woolly Monkey Mysteries: The Quest to Save a Rain Forest Species by Sandra Markle

The Woolly Monkey Mysteries: The Quest to Save a Rain Forest Species by Sandra Markle is a nonfiction book for children and adults. In the cloud forests of the Amazon Basin, scientists are installing extraordinary numbers of camera traps in the hopes of learning more about an elusive species—woolly monkeys. No one knows for sure how many woolly monkeys are left in the wild. But they play a key role in their ecosystem, and without them the rain forest is in trouble. Readers can join scientists on their quest to solve the mysteries surrounding the lives of woolly monkeys before it's too late.

The Woolly Monkey Mysteries is a well researched and written look at the research and conservation efforts that are currently in the works surrounding the Woolly Monkey. I never really new about this particular type on monkey, so was very interested to learn about it. I love that Markle not only shares the discoveries that have been made about this particular primate,  but also its place in the ecosystem of Peru and the work that goes into gathering information and making sense of the data. It is so hard to just get a single camera up in the trees to study the monkeys and other wildlife, and the determination and work that these scientists display is inspiring. It might just inspire some of the readers to persevere in something they are struggling with, or see how much efforts others are putting into things they might have never considered hard work. I like that the book offers digital content for interested readers, like QR codes that allow readers to hear the sounds of the jungle and woolly monkey, and see them in their natural habitat. I also found the activity, glossary, and further reading suggestions at the end of the book to be wonderful. These small things can help inspire young readers to take action and research further.

The Woolly Monkey Mysteries is yet another wonderful nonfiction book my Markle. Her combination of scientific research and information combined with action and hope for the future leaves this reader invested and inspired with the future of the woolly monkey and the world as a whole. I love this author's work, and look forward to see what animal she will write about next.

Early Book Review: Flower Talk: How Plants Use Color to Communicate by Sara Levine, Masha D'yans

Flower Talk: How Plants Use Color to Communicate is a children's book written by Sara Levine and illustrated by Masha D'yans. It is currently scheduled for release on March 5 2019. This informational picturebook features a cantankerous talking cactus as a narrator, revealing to readers the significance of different colors of flowers in terms of which pollinators (bees, bats, birds, etc.) different colors "talk" to. 

Flower Talk is a fun and entertaining book that teachers readers a little something about plants and pollination. The cranky cactus presenting the information includes a few plant puns as he informs readers how the colors of a plants flower can attract certain pollinators, and why they use each particular color. While the text of the story does not go into tremendous detail, there is a deeper look at the information at the end of the book to help explain the process for those that want to know more. I liked the illustrations, and think the balance of fact and fun is close to perfect when you keep the target audience in mind. The only thing I would really have wanted was maybe a list of further resources to help interested readers and their parents or caregivers to explore further if so inclined. 

Early Book Review: The Sea Book by Charlotte Milner

The Sea Book by Charlotte Milner is a nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on February 5 2019. This book explores a wealth of incredible marine animals and their habitats, from up on the ice, down to colorful coral reefs, underwater forests, and right down to the deepest darkest depths where the weird and wonderful lurk. Milner highlights to children important ecological issues faced by our planet, this time with a focus on marine life and the damaging effects humans are having on our seas. Children will discover what they can do to help, and there are tips on how to live plastic-free. Children will even get to craft their own recycled shopping bag.

The Sea Book is an informative book. I like that it offers information on the levels of the ocean, and the differences between the depths as well as the creatures that live there. Understanding the creatures in a habitat is an important first step. I liked that there was a wide variety of information, creatures from different parts of the ocean and shore, as well as the different classifications of animals. I learned a few things, and had information I was already aware of reinforced. I liked the artwork and spacing of the information, it made each page eye catching and accessible to a wide variety of readers. I found the ideas for readers to make changes to help the ocean to be perfect for the target audience. The changes, like using less plastic and making sure the seafood we are eating is sustainable, are important but easy enough for even busy families to do. I also like that there is a craft involved, to help readers feel more empowered and able to make a change. 

The Sea Book is a solid nonfiction book that can lay the groundwork for budding marine biologists and environmentalists. It is accessible, interesting, and engaging. 

Book Review: Dive In: Exploring our Connection with the Ocean by Ann Eriksson

Dive In: Exploring our Connection with the Ocean by Ann Eriksson is a nonfiction book for children and adults. It starts with the idea that we are all connected to the ocean, and the ocean to us. The ocean provides half the oxygen we breathe; it feeds us, creates our weather and provides us with water. But people have not been as kind to the ocean in return. The problems are many: pollution, overfishing, rising seas and acid waters. What can be done? Don't despair; take action. 

Dive In explores the connection between mankind, our actions, and the oceans. We get a great deal from the ocean, and treat it like our private playground, drilling field, and dumping ground. Thankfully there are scientists and activists that spend their time studying the ocean and working to protect it, and everything that lives in, on, or near it. The book is text heavy, with some great information and photographs to engage readers. I liked that there were big and small things suggested for readers and their families to do in order to help the environment. The glossary and additional resources at the end of the book can help readers understand more, and hopefully encourage them to further explore the topic on their own. Some of the informational text boxes were hard to read because of the color choices, I was reading a pre publication galley, so that might have been fixed by the final printing. I think this is a great book for older children, or reading together as a family. Some of the text is more difficult than I think new or struggling readers might be happy tackling on their own.  I do think that parts came off as a little too preachy, and just how big the changes could or should be might be overwhelming to readers, even though the little changes are mentioned as well. I know that I was a little taken aback and felt a little preached at rather than encouraged to make bigger changes.

Dive In is an information and interesting read. I was fascinated by some of the statistics and details about the ocean itself and think it can help readers see how interconnected the environment is, and how even the smallest choices can have an impact. 

Book Review: Death Eaters: Meet Nature's Scavengers by Kelly Milner Halls

Death Eaters: Meet Nature's Scavengers by Kelly Milner Halls is a middle grade nonfiction book that gives an in depth look at decomposition. Many animals eat the dead. In fact, these creatures make up Earth’s most important cleanup crew. As a vital part of nature’s circle of life, scavengers feed on the bodies of the dead to keep our planet free from death’s debris. These death eaters come in all sizes—from tiny flies to massive bears and sharks! Meet more creatures who live by eating the dead in this up-close look at nature’s death eaters.

Death Eaters: Meet Nature's Scavengers might not be the most cheerful read, but the subject matter is fascinating, important, and hopeful in its own way. I thought I had a good grasp of that happens in decomposition, and what animals were hunters or scavengers. I was mostly right, but learned a few things that really surprised me about what certain insects and animals will eat. I found the book to be well written and organized, it is interesting and gives a matter of fact look at the way nature finds a purpose for everything. While death might be an end, it is also a source of life for other creatures, which carries some hope and light in its own way. The read was fascinating, and I look forward to following up on some of the sources cited and suggestions for further reading. 

Book Review: The Great Rhino Rescue: Saving the Southern White Rhinos by Sandra Markle

The Great Rhino Rescue: Saving the Southern White Rhinos by Sandra Markle is a children's non fiction book. Southern white rhinos need to be rescued, again. In the late 1800s, these rhinos were believed to be extinct. Fortunately, a few were discovered and African governments stepped in to protect them. But now these rhinos are in danger from something else: the demand for their horns. In 2008 a rumor began spreading that rhino horn can cure cancer, and poachers began targeting these incredible animals for their horns. This book explores how African governments, local communities, and volunteer organizations are working together to save the Southern white rhinos once again.

The Great Rhino Rescue: Saving the Southern White Rhinos is an important book, not just because it shows the dangers white rhinos have, and are currently facing- and how people are trying to help. It also shows how delicate the balance of nature is, and how quickly a change in people's beliefs and behavior can impact the world. THe story of the White Rhino is sad, with moments of hope dashed by the greed and beliefs of humans. However, the number of people working to counteract the damage people are causing, and the danger they pose, leaves me hopeful. Like with so much of the world landscape now, it is in the efforts of people trying to do the right thing and make things better that just might save us all. As always, Markle offers readers hope for the future and some valuable information in the end pages, including sources for further reading and research.

The Great Rhino Rescue: Saving the Southern White Rhinos is another well researched and written book about endangered animals, and how people are trying to help. I highly recommend exploring Markle's animal non fiction and adding this book to the collection. 

Early Book Review: The Night the Forest Came to Town by Charles Ghigna, Annie Wilkinson

The Night the Forest Came to Town is a picturebook written by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by Annie Wilkinson. It is currently scheduled for release on October 9 2018. From dusk to dawn a forest creeps into a town where the grown-ups are too distracted to notice. But the children do. They see greenery take root in the lifeless cracks of dull sidewalks. They see an eagle build her nest atop a forgotten fountain and saplings start to sprout in dark corners. A gray-drab city defined by concrete and steel, vibrations and notifications, transforms into a living garden where apartment buildings overflow with window boxes full of flowers, birds sing songs through day and night and children laugh and tend to their gardens. Watch as nature reclaims this town.

The Night the Forest Came to Town is a book told in rhyme and filled with whimsical pictures about nature returning to a city environment overnight. I liked the idea of the book, and found the artwork to be lovely. I think the idea of nature returning to a city to be a lovely idea, and one that we should be working toward in sensible ways. I think showing young readers, and their adults, how easily nature could find its place in our cities and how much it can enrich our lives is a great thing. I do think that it was a little too perfect, and a little too sweet, but sometimes we need that. I think that those holding a physical addition of the book will enjoy it, particularly the art, even more than I did. Reading the Kindle version from Netgalley did not really to the book justice, and I have a firm belief that the final version will be even more beautiful to look at.